Source document: https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1698947076574.pdf (Uganda)
GOVERNMENT STATEMENT TO PARLIAMENT ON THE SITUATION ALONG THE SOUTH SUDAN BORDER.

Rt.

Hon.

Speaker, 1.

INTRODUCTION The border dispute between Uganda and South Sudan in areas of Moyo and Lefoli Sub-counties in Moyo District started way back before South Sudan got independence, but became more pronounced when South Sudan got independence.
The dispute has often led to friction/tension between the local communities on both sides of the border (Madi of Uganda and Kuku of South Sudan), leading to harassment, torture, arrests, deaths and frustration of development projects.

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EVENTS THAT LED TO RECENT CONFLICTS The current stand-off was triggered by the following events;  On 02.09.2014, the Kuku in the disputed areas of Abaya and Wano villages in Moyo District refused to be enumerated during the National Housing and Population Census saying they are South Sudanese.

 On 04.09.2014, the Moyo District Chairman, Mr. Vukoni 1 Jimmy Okudi, his delegation and Census enumerators went to the disputed areas to ensure that the residents were counted.
They were, however, arrested by South Sudanese Police deployed in the contested area.

They were released the following day after intervention of the Regional and Moyo District Security team.

 On 08.09.2014, South Sudan made deployments along Sunyu-Druani-Afoji road up to Lyii Bridge in Wano village, Eria Parish, Moyo Sub-County, claiming that they were protecting their territory.
 On 10.09.2014, Moyo District Local Council held an extra- ordinary meeting to discuss the arrest of the District Chairman and the border dispute, and resolved, among others, to hold a peaceful demonstration.

 On 15.09.2014, a demonstration was held, but later went out of control and turned violent.

The demonstration was led by Hon.

Anne Auru, the Moyo District Woman MP (NRM) and Moyo District Chairman, Jimmy Vukoni Okudi, accompanied by Hon.

Tom Azza Alero, MP West Moyo Constituency (NRM) and Hon.
Kaps Fungaroo, MP Obongi County (FDC).

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CONSEQUENCES OF THE DEMONSTRATION  As a result of the demonstration, 10 huts, including a church, belonging to South Sudanese (Kuku tribe), were burnt by the Madi.

In retaliation, the South Sudanese mobilized and burnt 07 huts belonging to Ugandans and injured one Okuga James, who was taken for treatment from Moyo Hospital.
 In retaliation, on 20th September 2014, about 80 South Sudanese, armed with SMGs, pangas, bows and arrows, attacked Madi community in Goboro Parish, Kochi Sub- County in Yumbe District.

They stabbed a woman on the neck, burnt one hut and abducted three people.

They were repulsed by UPDF soldiers of Goboro detachment.

The injured woman was later taken to a health centre for treatment.
 Due to the attacks between the Kuku and Madi in Moyo District, especially in areas of Gopi in Metu Sub-county, Logoba Parish in Moyo Sub-county and Abaya in Lefori Sub-County, many Madi have deserted their homes and others have fled to Adjumani district, leading to internal displacement of over 5,000 people.

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GOVERNMENT EFFORTS IN RESOLVING THE DISPUTE Rt.

Hon.
Hon.

Speaker, in 2009 the two presidents H.E Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and H.E Salva Kiir Mayardit visited Moyo and gave guidance to the communities there on how to live in harmony.

They advised the communities to continue using the disputed land for cultivation only but not to construct permanent structures/buildings until the two countries undertake a border verification and demarcation exercise.
Subsequent to this a Joint Permanent Commission was established to bring together Ministers of the two governments to meet regularly and address any problems that arise.

The last JPC met on 5th December 2012.

The two governments agreed that the process of border verification and demarcation required the two governments to sign a Memorandum of Understanding to pave way for the creation of the Joint Technical Boarder Verification and Demarcation Committee.
Government originated a draft MOU which was sent to the Republic of South Sudan but the Government of South Sudan did not respond.

This matter was drawn to the attention of President Salva Kiir by H.E President Museveni through Hon.

Asuman Kiyingi who met President Salva Kiir last Thursday as a special envoy of the President.
It has now been agreed 4 between the two governments that this MOU will be signed during the Northern Corridor Summit due to take place here in Kampala on our 52nd Independence Day celebration due 9th October 2014.

After the signing the Joint Technical Committee will be constituted.

It is this Committee that will work out detailed modalities of handling the problem including a budget, sensitizing communities on the border, resurveying, verification and remarking.
As we await the comprehensive solution government has taken measures to ensure that there are no more clashes again.

Last Saturday 20th September 2014, I led a Uganda government delegation and held a meeting with a South Sudan government officials delegation in Moyo.

Both sides agreed on a number of measures to calm the situation and secure the area namely; 1.

Both sides re-affirmed the guidance given by the two heads of state in 2009 and agreed to abide by it.

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There were to be joint security patrols of the area.

Uganda’s IGP General Kale Kayihura and his counterpart are working closely on the matter.

(The joint patrols have already started.

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That the joint patrols were to report regularly to the administrations on either side.

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That security be enhanced for communities from either country living deep inside each other’s boarders so that no revenge violence or killings are meted on them arising from the current and past clashes.

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That the process of boarder verification and demarcation be embarked on immediately.

In addition to this, the security leaders of both countries had already taken measures before my arrival and agreed on detailed arrangements to secure the area.

We also intend to propose to the Government of South Sudan that we hold regular meetings involving border administrations on either side.
We are confident that these measures will ensure safety and security of our people in these areas until a final comprehensive solution is found.

Thank you Hon.

Speaker.

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